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Bourbon Requirements

On 4 May 1964, the United States Congress recognized Bourbon Whiskey as a “distinctive product of the United States.” The Federal Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits (27 CFR 5) state that bourbon must meet these requirements:

Bourbon must be made of a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn.

Bourbon must be distilled to no more than 160 (U.S.) proof (80% alcohol by volume).

Bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels.

Bourbon may not be introduced to the barrel at higher than 125 proof (62.5% alcohol by volume).

Bourbon which meets the above requirements and has been aged for a minimum of two years, may (but is not required to) be called Straight Bourbon.

Bourbon aged for a period less than four years must be labeled with the duration of its aging.

If an age is stated on the label, it must be the age of the youngest whiskey in the bottle.